SXSW 2012

When creating games for children game designers often work in a vacuum. As adults, we are far removed from the developing cognitive and motor skills that are a hallmark of a growing child. Meanwhile, game dev resources tend to gloss over information on developing games for kids, often implying that the younger the child, the bigger the buttons and the shorter the words. Children, especially those under twelve, have a unique set of cognitive and physical challenges that developers must understand in order to make truly engaging games for children.In this session, we’ll cover game ideas that are developmentally appropriate for children. But this isn’t an average list of game mechanics. We’ll challenge designers to delve into their own grown-up media library to find new inspiration for all their design projects. By the time it’s all said and done, attendees will have ideas on how Left 4 Dead, FourSquare, Plants vs Zombies, and even Words with Friends can inspire great kids games.